The United States was transformed into a corporation and turned over to private interests subsequent to the civil war as collateral to secure loans following financial insolvency. The United States as we know it is transferred to private ownership through financial finagling. Let me explain.
Prior to engaging in the civil war, the United States government was already in debt. In an attempt to pay off these existing debts the govt. issued tariffs that effectively weakened the southern agrarian economy, while leaving the industrial north untaxed and allowing for public infrastructure projects that primarily benefited northern states. This was the "straw that broke the camel's back" and ultimately led to the southern states seceding from the union.
War is expensive. President Lincoln looked to secure funding and borrowed he did from private banks. Salmon P. Chase, then Secretary of the Treasury held a private meeting with the reluctant bank members where he threatened to begin printing currency to pay for the war, "if we have to put out paper until it costs a thousand dollars for a breakfast". The banks under threat of inflation obliged. More and more debt piled up as the war rung on, until the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox courthouse, Virginia.
The U.S., heavily in debt and with domestic banks exhausted, looked to foreign institutions for capital to continue the function of the u.s. government. International banks were willing to offer loans to the U.S. under the condition that collateral be offered. The Act of 1871 establishes a separate government for the district of columbia, which was incorporated. (Repealed and later reestablished in its final form in 1878) It also has a charter for "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", capitalization is used legally for the names of corporations. The federal government of the United States was ceded to international banks as collateral for subsequent loans. Congress no longer acts in the capacity of "Representatives", but as "Trustees" to the corporation "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".